William Tyler

William "Bill" Thomas Tyler was a New Zealand rugby footballer, who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain. His older brother, George Tyler, also played rugby for City and Auckland, and represented the All Blacks 36 times from 1903 to 1906.

Rugby Football He started his career playing rugby union for the City Club in Auckland. Tyler was a Scrum-Half but also played at Wing-Forward, a position that had already been abandoned in other countries. Aged 25, he was selected for Auckland in 1905 and was part of the team that won the Ranfurly Shield from Wellington. Tyler had scored the winning try and was well known for this deed.

Rugby League In 1907, Tyler joined the professional All Blacks in their tour of Great Britain and Australia. Like the rest of the touring party, Tyler was banned for life by the New Zealand Rugby Union. While on tour, he played in six test matches and scored the match winning try in the third test against Great Britain.